Epilogue
Roman
After the storm cleared, it took me a day to dig us out and another day for us to finally emerge from our lovesick storm.
We mostly spent the days in bed, exploring each other’s bodies and learning everything we could possibly find out about each other.
But we also enjoyed Christmas traditions together, making them now our new traditions we could enjoy every year.
Like getting a real tree for the living room, the fresh pine scent filling the cabin in a magical way I couldn’t describe.
Or making hot cocoa and binge watching each other’s favorite Christmas movies. Zena finally agreed with me on Die Hard and I joked I loved her even more.
And when we escaped the cabin, I drove her into town, taking her around to the Christmas events I usually avoided.
I took her to the annual tree lighting ceremony, to the shops downtown all decorated for the holidays, and to the bakery in town, Appleridge Sweets, that had the best eggnog muffins you’d ever tasted. Not to mention her apple cinnamon ones were always a good choice.
As a surprise, I took her on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy mountain trails and ended the date with a romantic dinner.
“Who are you, and what have you done with my grandson?” My grandmother exclaimed over the phone one night as I updated her on everything.
“He’s in love, grandma!” Zena called over my shoulder. Grandma fell in love with her as quickly as I did. I mean, it wasn’t hard. How could you not? She was beautiful, kind, giving, and everything I could ever want in a wife. I needed to snatch her up and hold on tight.
The first Christmas with Zena was the best Christmas I’d ever had. Not only did we scoop up my grandmother and bring her back to my cabin, but Zena also agreed to move in with me.
“Wow, you decorated exactly like how I wanted to you to!” Grandma exclaimed when she walked through the door. I followed behind, my arms full of gifts, Zena holding a few in one hand.
“Thanks. I’m glad I got it correct.” Zena grinned as she wrapped an arm around Grandma and smiled at me. “Now that I live here, the place will always look great!”
Grandma’s eye twinkled. She loved every second of this as much as I did.
We spent the evening laughing over dinner, exchanging gifts, and watching A Christmas Story on repeat.
Later that night, I took her to bed and worshipped her body until we drifted off into each other’s arms.
And exactly a year later, I married the love of my life on Christmas, in our cabin, with only our immediate families invited.
No longer would Christmas be a source a pain for me, but now only one of joy.
The day I married the love of my life. A gift that would continue to give repeatedly all because of our love.
And two years later, we received another Christmas gift.
Zena was pregnant.
THE END
Thank you so much for reading Christmas with the Grumpy Mountain Man.